Ariz. - The National Park Service invites the public to celebrate Western Arts Day 2012, Saturday, July 14, on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Western Arts Day celebrates the unique culture that defines Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah.

The celebration starts at 12 noon at the Grand Canyon Lodge and will conclude with an 8 p.m. evening program. Event activities will take place at the auditorium and the grassy square east of the lodge. Regularly scheduled ranger programs will take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. Please inquire at the North Rim Visitor Center for a complete list of event activities, as well as the times and locations of each. If you are visiting the South Rim, you may also inquire at any visitor center for more information. Presentations may include cowboy poetry and music, flint-knapping, beading, roping, and 1840s-era survival skills.

Support for this event is provided by donations received through the Grand Canyon Association and Forever Resorts.

Advance overnight lodging reservations for North Rim facilities may be made by contacting Forever Resorts, at their toll free number (877) 386-4383 or at (480) 998-1981. You may also visit their website at www.foreverresorts.com. Advance reservations for the North Rim Campground may be made on line at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Campground reservations can be made up to five months in advance. For additional information about Western Arts Day, please contact Robin Tellis, North Rim District Interpreter, at (928) 638-7739. For additional information about Grand Canyon National Park, please call (928) 638-7888 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/grca.